How to Configure a Netgear Router

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Simple steps to connect and set up your Netgear router
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If you got your Netgear router from your ISP, you usually won't need to do much configuration to connect it to your cable or DSL provider and get online. But even if you've reset your wireless router or bought a brand new Netgear router that you need to connect to your modem, the setup wizard and other tools make it easy—we'll show you how!

Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Cable (Genie Interface)

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  1. This method is for the Genie Interface. Jump ahead if you are using the Smart Wizard Interface.
    • If you're experiencing issues with your Netgear router, check out our troubleshooting section later in this article.
  2. Use an ethernet cable to connect your modem to the port labeled “Internet” on your Netgear router.
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  3. Use a second ethernet cable to connect your computer to any port labeled “LAN” on your Netgear router.
  4. Power on your modem and wait for all the lights to remain stable.
  5. Power on your Netgear router and wait for the “Power” light to remain solid green.
  6. 6
    Go to the router's admin interface. Launch an Internet browser on your computer and type one of the following URLs into the address bar: www.routerlogin.com, www.routerlogin.net, or http://192.168.1.1. The correct URL will bring up the router login dialog box.
    • Examine the label on your Netgear router to determine the correct URL if none of these URLs bring up the router login dialog box.
  7. These are the default login credentials for Netgear routers. The Netgear Genie setup wizard will display on-screen.
    • If “Netgear Smart Wizard” displays on-screen in place of “Netgear Genie,” skip to Method Two in this article to finish setting up your router using the Smart Wizard interface. The Smart Wizard interface is only available on older models of Netgear routers.
  9. The setup wizard will take a few minutes to detect your Internet connection and display the “Congratulations” page when complete.
  10. Your Netgear router will now be configured for use with your ISP. [1]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Cable (Smart Wizard Interface)

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  1. Use an ethernet cable to connect your modem to the port labeled “Internet” on your Netgear router.
  2. Use a second ethernet cable to connect your computer to any port labeled “LAN” on your Netgear router.
  3. Power off your computer, modem, and Netgear router, then power all three devices back on.
  4. Allow a few minutes for all devices to power fully back on, then launch any Internet browser on your computer.
  5. 5
    Go to your router's admin panel. Type one of the following URLs into the address bar of your browser, then press “Enter:”http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.1.1. The correct URL will bring up the router login dialog box.
  6. Log in to the router interface using “admin” for the username and “password” for the password. These are the default login credentials for Netgear routers. You will now be logged into your Netgear router.
  7. Select “Yes” when asked if you want Netgear to detect your Internet connection.
  8. ” Netgear will take a few minutes to detect your Internet connection.
  9. Your Netgear router will save your settings and be configured for use with your ISP. [2]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

DSL (Genie Interface)

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  1. The DSL microfilter is a small box that connects both your router and telephone to the telephone jack.
    • This method is for the Genie Interface. Jump ahead if you are using the Smart Wizard Interface.
  3. Use an ethernet cable to connect your computer to any port labeled “LAN” on your Netgear router.
  4. Connect the Netgear router to its power supply unit, then power on the router. The router will take approximately one minute to fully boot up.
  5. The Netgear Genie setup wizard will automatically display on-screen.
    • Type one of the following URLs into the address bar of your browser if the setup wizard fails to automatically display on-screen: http://192.168.0.1 or http://www.routerlogin.net. These URLs will take you to the Netgear Genie setup wizard.
  6. '
  7. ” Netgear will take a moment to detect your Internet connection. When complete, the router login screen will appear.
  8. ” This allows you to access your ISP’s network.
    • Contact your ISP directly if you need help obtaining the username and password for your network.
  9. Your Netgear router will now be configured for use with your ISP. [3]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

DSL (Smart Wizard Interface)

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  1. The DSL microfilter is a small box that connects both your router and telephone to the telephone jack.
  2. Connect your telephone to the DSL microfilter using a small telephone wire.
  3. Use an ethernet cable to connect your computer to any port labeled “LAN” on your Netgear router.
  4. Connect the Netgear router to its power supply unit then power on the router. The router will take approximately one minute to fully boot up.
  5. 5
    Go to the router's admin interface. Launch any Internet browser on your computer and type one of the following URLs into the address bar: http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.1.1. These URLs will take you to the router login screen.
  6. These are the default login credentials for your Netgear router.
  7. Then, select Yes when asked if you want Netgear to detect your Internet connection.
  8. Netgear will take a few minutes to detect your Internet connection, and display the appropriate configuration page based on your network type.
  9. The steps will vary depending on your type of Internet connection.
    • Enter the login and password supplied by your ISP if using a PPPoE or PPPoA connection type.
    • Click on “Apply” if using a dynamic IP address for connection type.
    • Enter your IP address, IP subnet mask, primary DNS, and secondary DNS if using an IP over ATM or fixed IP connection type. This information must be supplied to you by your ISP.
  10. Your Netgear router will now be configured for use with your ISP. [4]
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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Troubleshooting

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  1. Download the latest firmware from http://support.netgear.com . In some cases, outdated firmware can prevent you from being able to establish an Internet connection. [5]
  2. Reset your Netgear router if you can't connect to the internet. A reset will restore your router’s default factory settings and can help resolve software problems associated with your router.
  3. Faulty cables and hardware can prevent you from being able to effectively set up your router.
  4. If you can't sign in to your Netgear router, your ISP can help you log in. [6]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    What can I do when my router will not allow my computer to connect?
    R2_d2000
    Top Answerer
    Try to restart both the router and computer. If that does not work, then call the router manufacturer for assistance.
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  • Question
    When I connect an antenna the signal is weaker. What should I do?
    R2_d2000
    Top Answerer
    I would recommend not connecting the antenna, since it is clearly making things worse.
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      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about dealing with routers, check out our in-depth interview with Steven Racz .

      References

      1. ↑ http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22697/~/netgear-router-installation-on-cable-isp---genie-interface
      2. ↑ http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/119/~/router-installation-on-cable-internet-service-provider---smart-wizard-interface
      3. ↑ http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22717
      4. ↑ http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/120/session/L2F2LzEvdGltZS8xNDM5MjQ0NDA0L3NpZC9lQTR1eEJ0bQ%3D%3D
      5. ↑ http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/24309
      6. ↑ http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22090

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